While on an expedition in Mexico, the Spanish conquistador Cortez discovered Cacao beans. The Aztec emperor Montezuma gave a big feast for Cortez and served "chocolatl" to his guests. It was a bitter mush that was served stone cold. The Cacao beans were roasted and ground, then they were mixed with corn meal, vanilla, peppers, spices, and herbs. Cortez learned the Cacao beans were used as money among the Indians. Cortez procured some of the beans and brought them back to Europe. Soon the Dutch, Italians, Austrians, and French were experimenting with the beans.